Princeton 17 Columbia 10
Why Princeton Won
The Tigers overcame a very sluggish offensive start by limiting the damage Columbia could do about on the scoreboard to 10 points. Then the offense finally woke up late in the 2nd half with well-timed passes and better ball protection.
Why Columbia Lost
The Lions crisp start disappeared by the late stages of the 2nd quarter, and an unforgivable turnover at their own 1-year line was an emotional backbreaker.
Key Turning Points
-While the aforementioned ill-advised throw by QB Chase Goodwin resulted in that pick at the one, on Columbia previous possessions that came off of Princeton turnovers, resulted in no points and a definite swing in momentum as well.
-Columbia’s defense stayed strong strong in the 3rd quarter, while its offense kept spinning its wheels. A score of any kind by the Lions in the 3rd frame likely would have altered the course of the game.
Columbia Positives
-The CU defense did hold a Tiger team that had scored well over 30 points in its first two games to just 17 points, and seven of those points were a gift from the Lion offense.
-Freshman QB Xander Eschelman set up Columbia’s only TD with a “Flight of the Bumble Bee”-like run for 15 yards that should have Lion fans excited about what he may be able to the mix for the rest of the season.
-The Lion kicking game was flawless.
Columbia Negatives
-The offense lacked consistency and while Goodwin had more time to throw the ball in this game than the previous two, pass protection was not ideal.
-While the defense was excellent overall, the secondary started getting burned late in the game by wide open receivers in the soft parts of the Lion zone.
-The running game improved a bit, but still no big gainers for the season on the ground from the running backs.
Columbia MVP
-Even with having to play the 1st half with the extra burden of Charlie Newton out of the game, senior LB Jack Smiechowski had an excellent performance with 15 tackles and an acrobatic interception.
